Ireland U-19s get late World Cup invitation

It was third time lucky for captain Jack Tector yesterday as his Ireland side were invited by the ICC to take part in the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh this month despite twice missing out at the final hurdle of qualifying events.

It was third time lucky for captain Jack Tector yesterday as his Ireland side were invited by the ICC to take part in the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh this month despite twice missing out at the final hurdle of qualifying events.

Cricket Australia are unhappy with the security arrangements for the biennial tournament and have withdrawn, leaving Ireland to fill the gap as runners-up to Nepal in last October's repechage qualifier in Kuala Lumpur.

Tector, the YMCA all-rounder, had earlier seen his team lose out to Scotland in the final match of the European qualifiers and may yet suffer a third disappointment with Australia and England both lobbying behind the scenes to get the finals moved from Bangladesh.

"Security plans associated with an event of this size and stature are always subject to continual review to ensure that they remain appropriate and fit for purpose, and this event is no different," ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said.